Farr Law Firm

06/19/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share that our beloved Angel has spread her wings and crossed the Rainbow Bridge today, celebrating a life of profound love and companionship. She lived an extraordinary life of over 14 years with us, from the moment we rescued her as a tiny kitten until her journey ended with cancer. As a cherished member of our Critter Corner team at the Farr Law Firm for the past decade, she touched countless hearts and souls. Her love and presence will forever be deeply cherished and remembered.

06/15/2026

Excited to share an article about saving Social Security, in which I am quoted numerous times.

Private-sector analysts say that preserving Social Security benefit levels as they are now requires raising or eliminating the Social Security Wage Cap.

06/09/2026

If you ever need long-term care — after a stroke, a serious fall, surgery, or progressive cognitive decline — your documents alone will not carry the load. Your agents and fiduciaries will be making real-time decisions under pressure. They need a preselected team of professionals they can rely on immediately.

This article explains who should be on that team, what each person does, and how to line them up before you become incapacitated.

Start With the Right Framework

Your power of attorney should not exist in isolation. Either within the document itself or in an attachment referenced by it, you should identify the professionals your agent is authorized — and expected — to use. That clarity reduces delay, second-guessing, family conflict, and bad outcomes.

Geriatric Care Managers / Aging Life Care Specialists

An aging life care professional is the quarterback of your care when you cannot manage it yourself.

    If you ever need long-term care — after a stroke, a serious fall, surgery, or progressive cognitive decline — yo

06/05/2026

Clarifying Misconceptions About Step-Up in Basis and Irrevocable Trusts
Ever since the IRS issued Revenue Ruling 2023-2 in March 2023, many articles — including some written by attorneys and CPAs — have spread the mistaken idea that no irrevocable trust allows a step-up in basis at death. This misunderstanding has led to confusion and concern among clients who have already created certain types of asset protection trusts, particularly those using our Living Trust Plus® Asset Protection Trust. Attorneys and CPAs need to understand that Revenue Ruling 2023-2 was a confirmation of existing law and changed nothing about the tax treatment of the Living Trust Plus or similar trusts designed in a way such that the trust assets are intentionally part of the taxable estate of the trust settlor.

Clarifying Misconceptions About Step-Up in Basis and Irrevocable Trusts Ever since the IRS issued Revenue Ruling 2023-2 in March 2023, many articles — includ

05/26/2026

Rising Life Expectancy Means More Years at Risk

Americans are living longer — and that is directly increasing the likelihood that you or your loved ones will need long-term care.

According to the the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's official data, life expectancy at birth rose to 78.4 years in 2023, and a person who reaches age 65 can now expect to live nearly 20 additional years. You can review the data directly in the National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief on U.S. Life Expectancy.

Those additional years are not all healthy years. The longer you live, the greater the probability of developing chronic illness, cognitive decline, or physical limitations that require assistance with daily activities.

That is the key driver behind the growing demand for long-term care.

The Probability You Will Need Long-Term Care Is High

The most authoritative projections come from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    Rising Life Expectancy Means More Years at Risk Americans are living longer — and that is directly increasing t

05/14/2026

Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most devastating conditions affecting older adults and their families. Researchers are now investigating an unexpected possibility: carefully timed flickering light and sound stimulation that may help slow the biological processes behind the disease.

A recent report describes how scientists are studying whether specific patterns of sensory stimulation can influence brain activity linked to Alzheimer’s. The research is summarized in the CNN article Can Flickering Lights and Sound Slow Alzheimer’s?, which highlights early clinical work exploring this unusual approach.

The idea may sound unconventional, but it is grounded in well-established neuroscience.

The Role Of Gamma Brain Waves In Memory

Your brain constantly produces electrical rhythms known as brain waves. One pattern — called gamma oscillations — is associated with memory, perception, and learning.

  Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most devastating conditions affecting older adults and their families. Researchers ar

05/14/2026

Q1. I am giving serious thought to my estate planning and to who I want to leave most of my assets to when I am no longer around. I am seriously considering leaving the bulk to my two children and not my spouse. I live in Virginia. Would this be possible or is my wife guaranteed a certain amount?

Q2. One more thing... and this involves my sister. She lives in Maryland. She rekindled an old romance from years ago at her class reunion. She is hoping to get engaged on Christmas eve, as she and her boyfriend already picked out a ring. Not only will this hopefully mean a happily ever after for her and her boyfriend, but it also means a big, blended family for her three children and his two sons. What do you suggest when it comes to estate planning for her soon-to-be blended family? Similar to myself, she mentioned also wanting to leave most of her assets to her children. Thanks for your help.

A1.

Q1. I am giving serious thought to my estate planning and to who I want to leave most of my assets to when I am no longer around. I am seriously considering lea